Trailer having tilt and dump functions

ABSTRACT

A frame configuration that is particularly adaptable for use on a trailer such that the frame configuration is operable in both a tilt mode of operation and a dump mode of operation. An actuating mechanism includes a linear actuator that is supported on the frame by a bracket and a yoke that connects to a load bed to power the vertical movement of the load bed in both tilt and dump functions. The linear actuator is pivotally mounted to permit a re-positioning of the actuator into an inoperative position. The frame configuration is provided with an articulated tilt frame in which the tongue is pivoted thereto allowing the load bed to pivot about a tilt axis which can coincide with the wheel axis of the trailer. The bed frame can be locked to the tilt frame for tilting upon articulation with the tongue, while a disconnection of the bed frame from the tilt frame enables the bed frame to pivot about the dump axis to provide a dump function in addition to the tilt function. The actuator can pivot about the connection thereof to the bed frame to position the actuator into a lowered inoperative transport position generally parallel to the trailer tongue. A modified screw jack can be part of a kit that can be utilized to provide the powered operations of the tilt function for existing gravity-based tilt trailers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims domestic priority on U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Serial No. 60/268,448, filed Feb. 13, 2001, the contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a trailer attachable to a vehicleand, more particularly, to a trailer configured to provide selectivelyan operation of tilting about its tire axis and an operation of dumpingabout a dump axis positioned rearwardly of the tire axis.

Trailers have been designed to provide the ability to tilt or to providethe ability to dump. A trailer that tilts generally has an articulatedtongue that, when released to articulate about a generally transverselyextending horizontal axis, allows the trailer to pivot about an axiscorresponding to the center of the trailer tires, which if mountedcoaxially on the trailer axis would correspond to the trailer axle, thusallowing the rearward end of the trailer to lower to the surface of theground and permit convenient access to the trailer bed. Tilting istypically used to load other wheeled devices onto the trailer bed. Sincethe rearward end of the trailer bed is positionable adjacent the surfaceof the ground, a wheeled device such as a wheeled utility vehicle, amotorcycle, or a wheeled hand cart, can easily roll onto the trailerbed. Movement of the tilt function of such trailers is typicallyaccomplished manually by releasing a locking device fixing the bed frameto the trailer tongue to permit the tongue to pivot relative to the bedframe and allow the bed frame to pivot about the tire center. Returningthe trailer bed to a transport position with the bed frame fixed to thetrailer tongue is typically a matter of balancing the load on thetrailer bed relative to the tires to permit the bed frame to be pivotedback into position to be locked to the trailer tongue.

A dump trailer is also known in the art. Dump trailers are configured topivot the trailer bed about a dump axis carried by the dump frame withthe dump axis being located near or at the rearward end of the trailerbed. When the trailer bed is moved into a dump position, the rearwardend of the trailer remains elevated above the ground while the forwardend of the trailer bed is raised to urge any load on the trailer bed toslide off the bed onto the ground. The dump function is usually notaccomplished manually. The movement of the bed frame carrying thetrailer bed relative to the dump frame is typically accomplished througha dump actuator that is sufficiently powerful to raise the trailer bedand load thereon. This dump actuator is normally positioned underneaththe trailer and is effective to cause a vertical movement of the trailerbed about the rearwardly positioned dump axis. To provide this knowndump actuator configuration for a small towed trailer would require thatthe actuator be remotely powered and that the trailer structure providesufficient depth to house and protect the dump actuator.

It would be desirable to provide a trailer capable of being towed behinda conventional vehicle, such as a truck or a car, that would be operableto provide both a tilt function and a dump function. It would also bedesirable to provide a compact actuator mounting that would be effectiveto provide the dump function in a manner that would overcome thedisadvantages of known dump actuators. It would also be desirable toprovide a trailer and actuator configuration that would be conducive tobeing manually operated without requiring a remote power source.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to overcome the disadvantages of theprior art by providing a trailer having both dump and tilt functions.

It is another object of this invention to provide a trailer having anactuator operable to effect a tilting and dumping operations for thetrailer.

It is a feature of this invention that the trailer is provided with aframe configuration that is connected to the tongue of the trailer andsupports a bed frame to provide a dump frame configuration.

It is another feature of this invention that the trailer bed isselectively pivotable about a transverse axis corresponding to the axisof rotation of the wheels to provide a tilt feature for the trailer andabout a transverse axis located at the rear portion of the trailer toprovide a dump feature for the trailer.

It is an advantage of this invention that the same actuator can provideboth tilt and dump functions for the trailer.

It is still another feature of this invention that the selection betweenthe tilt and dump operations of the trailer can be selected bydisconnecting or unlatching the articulated tilt frame from the tongueor by disconnecting or unlatching the bed frame from the articulatedtilt frame.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a mounting forthe actuator that will enable the actuator to perform both tilt and dumpoperations for the same trailer while being capable of being stowed intoan inoperative transport position.

It is still another feature of this invention that the actuator can bepivoted about the connections thereof with the bed frame and the tongueof the trailer to be lowered into an inoperative transport positionsubstantially parallel with the tongue of the trailer.

It is still another advantage of this invention that the actuator can bepivoted to a position that lies entirely below the plane of the surfaceof the trailer bed.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide an actuator thatcan be manually powered or may be driven by a remote power source.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide an actuator thatcan be installed as a kit for existing dump or tilt trailers to providea power apparatus for accomplishing the pivotal movement of the trailer.

It is still another advantage of this invention that the actuator can beselectively configured for operation in a power mode or in a free modein which the actuator does not interfere with the gravity operation ofthe trailer to tilt.

It is yet another feature of this invention that a latch mechanism isprovided to control the pivotal movement of the actuator between araised operative position and a lowered inoperative transport position.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a trailer operableto provide both tilt and dump functions which is durable inconstruction, inexpensive of manufacture, carefree of maintenance,facile in assemblage, and simple and effective in use.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an actuator that canprovide powered tilt and dump operations for a trailer and beconvertible between a raised operative position and a loweredinoperative transport position generally parallel to the trailer tongue.

These and other objects, features and advantages are accomplishedaccording to the instant invention by providing a frame configurationthat is particularly adaptable for use on a trailer such that the frameconfiguration is operable in both a tilt mode of operation and a dumpmode of operation. An actuating mechanism includes a linear actuatorthat is supported on the frame by a bracket and a yoke that connects toa load bed to power the vertical movement of the load bed in both tiltand dump functions. The linear actuator is pivotally mounted to permit are-positioning of the actuator into an inoperative position. The frameconfiguration is provided with an articulated tilt frame in which thetongue is pivoted thereto allowing the load bed to pivot about a tiltaxis which can coincide with the wheel axis of the trailer. The bedframe can be locked to the tilt frame for tilting upon articulation withthe tongue, while a disconnection of the bed frame from the tilt frameenables the bed frame to pivot about the dump axis to provide a dumpfunction in addition to the tilt function. The actuator can pivot aboutthe connection thereof to the bed frame to position the actuator into alowered inoperative transport position generally parallel to the trailertongue. A modified screw jack can be part of a kit that can be utilizedto provide the powered operations of the tilt function for existinggravity-based tilt trailers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages of this invention will become apparent upon considerationof the following detailed disclosure of the invention, especially whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic right front perspective view of the articulatedtilt frame and tongue of a trailer incorporating the principles of theinstant invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic right front perspective view of a trailer bedframe to be mounted on the articulated tilt frame and tongue of thetrailer depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic right front perspective view of a trailer frameassembly incorporating the principles of the instant invention toprovide both a tilt function and a dump function for the trailer;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to lines 4—4 of FIG. 3 todepict an elevational view of one side of the trailer frame;

FIG. 5 is a schematic right front perspective view of the trailer frameof FIG. 3 with a bottle jack added to provide an actuator for the dumpand tilt functions of the trailer frame;

FIG. 6 is a schematic right front perspective view of the trailer frameof FIG. 5 with an optional winch added to the tilt frame forwardly ofthe bottle jack;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged side elevational detail view of the bottle jack;

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the bottle jack depicted in FIG. 7with a remote power option being depicted;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged front elevational view of the bottle jack shown inFIG. 5, the trailer bed frame being represented by the mounting members,the remainder of the trailer frame being deleted for purposes ofclarity;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the mounting of the bottle jackdepicted in FIG. 9, the bottle jack being shown in an upright operativeposition;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view similar to that of FIG. 10 but withthe bottle jack being lowered into a horizontal inoperative position ontop of the tongue;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the bottle jack, tongue and front portionof the trailer frame shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a schematic side elevational view of the trailerincorporating the principles of the instant invention and depicting boththe tilt function and the alternate dump function of the trailerrelative to a normal transport position;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view similar to that of FIG. 10, butdepicting an alternative trailer bed lift jack arrangement utilizing acable lift system;

FIG. 15 is a schematic side elevational view of the trailer moved into adump position by the alternative trailer bed lift jack and cable liftsystem of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is front elevational view of a screw jack actuator operable toprovide an assist to the tilt function of existing gravity-based tilttrailers, the trailer bed frame being represented by the mountingmembers, the remainder of the trailer frame being deleted for purposesof clarity;

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the latch mechanism for the screwjack actuator corresponding to lines 17-17 of FIG. 16; and

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the screw jack actuatorcorresponding to lines 18—18 of FIG. 17 to depict a top plan view of thelatch mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6 the details of a trailer frame incorporatingthe principles of the instant invention can best be seen. Any referencesto left and right are used as a matter of convenience and are determinedby standing at the rear of the trailer and facing the hitch to beconnected to a vehicle, which would be the normal direction of travel ofthe trailer. The trailer 10 has a tongue 12 provided with a hitch 13located at the forward terminus of the tongue 12 to connect in a knownmanner to a vehicle, such as a truck or a car to provide motive powerfor the movement of the trailer 10 over the surface of the ground G. Theforward end of the tongue 12 can also be provided with a conventionalsupport jack (not shown) to keep the hitch 13 at a convenient heightwhen disconnected from any vehicle. The trailer 10 also includes an axle15 on which tires 16 can be directly mounted on or, as is depicted inthe drawings, to which tires 16 can be mounted through a pair oflaterally opposed suspension arms 18. The tires 16 are rotatable aboutthe spindles 17 allowing the trailer 10 to be movable over the ground Gin a conventional manner. The transversely extending spindles 17 alsodefines a tilt axis 19, as will be described in greater detail below.

The tilt frame 20 can best be seen in FIG. 1. The tilt frame 20 ispreferably formed in an “A-frame” configuration and is rigidly connectedto the axle 15 by mounting flanges 21. A rear transverse support member23 defines a dump axis 29, to be described in greater detail below, andcarries support brackets 24 pivotable about the dump axis 29 forattachment of the trailer bed frame 30. A front transverse member 25carries a pivot bracket 26 for pivotally connecting the tongue 12 forarticulation about a horizontal articulation axis defined by the pivotbracket 26. The side rails 22 of the tilt frame 20 converge to meet at alock bracket 27 that is positioned in register with the tongue 12 sothat a removable fastener 27a (best seen in FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 6, 11 and 12)can fix the apex of the tilt frame 20 to the tongue 12 and prevent anyarticulation of the tongue 12 relative to the tilt frame 20 about thepivot bracket 26. Diagonally oriented support struts 28, interconnectingthe laterally spaced ends of side rails 22 and the center of the fronttransverse member 25, provide rigidity for the tilt frame 20. Theconverging side rails 22 each have a locking tab 22a welded on theinside. The locking tabs 22a are alignable with the mounting members 36on the trailer bed frame 30, for reasons to be described in greaterdetail below.

The trailer bed frame 30 can be seen best in FIG. 2 depicted as anindependent structure. The trailer bed frame 30 has a pair of laterallyspaced side rails 32 that are positionable above the side rails 22 ofthe tilt frame 20. The side rails 32 of the bed frame 30 are formed withholes 33 for detachable connection by fasteners (not shown) to thesupport brackets 24. As a result, the trailer bed frame 30 is pivotableabout the dump axis 29. The rearwardmost transverse frame member 34 is,therefore, positioned rearwardly of the rearward transverse frame member23 of the tilt frame 20. Accordingly, any pivotal movement of thetrailer bed frame 30 about the dump axis 20 will result in therearwardmost transverse frame member 34 of the trailer bed frame 30dropping closer to the ground, while the rearward transverse framemember 23 of the tilt frame 20 maintains its normal elevation above theground.

The trailer bed frame 30 further includes a forwardmost transverse framemember 35 provided with forwardly projecting mounting members 36 forconnecting to the bottle jack 40, as will be described in greater detailbelow. The mounting members 36 are positioned for alignment with thelocking tabs 22a to permit the trailer bed frame 30 to be selectivelylocked to the tilt frame 20. A tongue bracket 38 is fixed to theforwardmost transverse frame member 35 and to the second transverseframe member 37 and is positioned to surround the tongue 12 when thetrailer bed frame 30 is positioned on top of the tilt frame 20 in itsnormal operating configuration. Central traverse frame members 31 arepositioned between the second traverse frame member 37 and the rearmosttraverse frame member 34 so that the trailer bed frame 30 will supportplanking or the like (not shown) to provide a trailer bed in a mannerknown in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the trailer frame 11 can best be seen. Thetrailer bed frame 30 is mounted on top of the tilt frame 20 with theside rails 32 connected to the support brackets 24 for pivotal movementabout the dump axis 29. Removable pins (not shown) interengage thelocking tabs 22a and the mounting members 36 to keep the trailer bedframe 30 locked to the tilt frame 20. Alternatively, the locking tabs22a can be formed with upwardly extending locking pins (not shown) thatalign with holes through the mounting members 36 which can then belocked into place by click pins, cotter pins, hair pins or the like. Thebottle jack mounting brackets 57 are also shown in FIG. 3 connected tothe tongue 12 forwardly of the tongue bracket 38 and rearwardly of thelock bracket 27. The details of the bottle jack mounting brackets 57 arebetter seen in FIGS. 9-12 and are described below. The configurationshown in FIG. 3 is the normal operating position in which the trailer 10can be towed along the public highway carrying a load without thecapability of either tilting or dumping unless reconfigured as describedin greater detail below.

The elevational details of the trailer frame 11 can best be seen in thecross-sectional view of FIG. 4. The trailer bed frame 30 is positionedon top of the tilt frame 20. The transverse bed frame members 31, 34, 35and 37 have different thicknesses, as are represented by the lines shownin FIG. 4. All of the transverse frame members 31, 34, 35, 37 of thetrailer bed frame 30 terminate in a common plane forming the top surfaceof the trailer bed frame 30 so as to provide a planar surface 39 onwhich to mount the planking forming the bed (not shown) of the trailer10. The forwardmost transverse frame member 35 and the second transverseframe member 37 have a thickness that terminates just above the siderails 22 of the tilt frame 20. The central traverse frame members 31have smaller cross-sections and greater clearance above side rails 22.The rearwardmost transverse frame member 34 has the largestcross-sectional configuration as there is no primary frame componentimmediately beneath the frame member 34. The mounting flanges 21 aredepicted as interconnecting the side rails 22 of the tilt frame 20 andthe axle 15. The side rails 32 of the trailer bed frame 30 nest over topof the mounting flanges 21 just outboard of the side rails 22 of thetilt frame 20.

FIG. 5 depicts the mounted location of the bottle jack 40, connected tothe bottle jack mounting brackets 57 affixed to the tongue 12. Thedetails of the bottle jack 40 and the relationship thereof to thetrailer frame 11 will be described in connection with FIGS. 7-12 below.One skilled in the art will recognize that the bottle jack 40 isdepicted in FIG. 5 in a normal operating position, capable of liftingthe trailer bed frame 30 relative to the tilt frame 20 about the dumpaxis 29. While the bottle jack 40 is preferred because of its simplicityand economy, other hydraulic or electric actuators could also besubstituted equally for the bottle jack 40. In FIG. 6, an optional winch14 is depicted as being mounted on the tilt frame 20 forwardly of thebottle jack 40, preferably mounted on the lock bracket 27. Preferably,the winch 14 is formed with bolts or connectors (not shown) dependingdownwardly therefrom to engage slots (not shown) formed in the lockbracket 27 that can receive the bolts (not shown) to provide aquick-attach system for the winch 14. The winch 14 must be detachable topermit the bottle jack 40 to be reclined into an inoperative horizontalposition, as will be described in greater detail below. The winch 14 canbe operable with the bottle jack 40 in the upright position as the cablecan pass between the bottle jack 40 and the legs 52 of the yoke 50.

An extended stroke bottle jack 40 is depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, withmodifications to provide a more convenient pressure release valve 42, anintegral pump handle 45 and an optional fitting 44 for connection to aremote power source. The bottle jack 40 includes a handle 45 for pumpinghydraulic fluid from an internal reservoir into the conventionaloperative internal chambers of the bottle jack 40, causing the tip 46 atthe distal end of the bottle jack 40 to extend upwardly. Manipulation ofthe pressure release valve 42 will allow the hydraulic fluid to returnto the internal reservoir and permit the tip 46 to contract back to thehousing 41. The base 47 of the bottle jack 40 includes a clevis 48adapted for pivotal connection to a support member, which in thisconfiguration would be the tongue 12 in a manner described below.Preferably, the bottle jack 40 will be equipped with an optional fitting44 that will allow the bottle jack 40 to be connected to a remotehydraulic system, such as on a tractor or the like (not shown), foroperation thereof in lieu of the manipulation of the pump handle 45 andpressure release valve 42. The release valve 42 will preferably beadapted to extend to a greater height above the base 47 to permit aconvenient operation without requiring the operator to place his handsinto the area of moving frame components.

The mounting of the bottle jack 40 is best seen in FIGS. 9-12. Theclevis 48 is mounted by a pivot bolt 49 to a pair of upright links 58pivotably supported on hubs 58a mounted in the bottle jack mountingbrackets 57 and positioned on opposing sides of the tongue 12. Theupright links 58 transfer the load exerted on the bottle jack 40 throughthe hubs 58a to the bottle jack mounting brackets 57 and, therefore, tothe tongue 12. A pivot control quadrant 55 fixed to the base 47 of thebottle jack 40 on each side of the tongue 12 is also mounted to thepivot bolt 49 for pivotal movement in concert with the base 47 of thebottle jack 40. The quadrants 55 extend vertically below the tongue 12and restrain the bottle jack 40 in pivotal relationship with uprightlinks 58 by a restraining pin 56 interengaging the quadrants 55, theupright links 58 and the bottle jack mounting brackets 57 beneath thetongue 12. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the axes of the pivot bolt 49,restraining pin 56 and bottle jack 40 are secured in a common plane.

A yoke 50 has an elevated bight portion 51 connected to the tip 46 by afastener (not shown). A pair of legs 52 extend downwardly from the bightportion 51 for pivotal connection to the mounting members 36 projectingforwardly from the forwardmost transverse frame member 35 of the trailerbed frame 30. The pivot axis 53 passes through the pivotal connectionbetween the legs 52 of the yoke 50 and the mounting members 36, the axisof bottle jack 40 and approximately concentrically through the pivotbolt 49 fastening the clevis 48 of the bottle jack 40 to the uprightlinks 58. The upright element of the bottle jack 40 follows the upwardmovement of the trailer bed reflecting the upward movement of the pivotaxis 53 passing through the pivotal connection between the legs 52 andmounting members 36. The upright links 58 are pivotable with thequadrants 55 about the restraining pin 56 defining the pivot axiscarried by the bottle jack mounting brackets 57. The bight portion 51 isrigidly fastened to the tip 46 of the bottle jack 40 so the extension ofthe tip 46 from the bottle jack 40 raises the yoke 50 and the connectedtrailer bed frame 30.

Particularly since the bottle jack 40 is of a construction that extendsupwardly a substantial distance above the tongue 12, the bottle jack 40in the upright operative position can be in the way of the loading somematerials onto the trailer bed (not shown). Accordingly, it would bedesirable to provide a mechanism for allowing the bottle jack 40 to bemoved into a non-intruding inoperative position in such circumstances.The mounting apparatus described above provides such a mechanism. Whenthe bottle jack 40 is desired to be moved into a lowered inoperativeposition, the restraining pin 56 is removed from engagement with thepivot control quadrants 55, upright links 58 and the bottle jackmounting brackets 57 to allow the bottle jack 40 and the affixed pivotcontrol quadrants 55 to pivot about the pivot bolt 49. The connectedyoke 50 will also pivot on its respective connection to the mountingmembers 36 about the concentric pivot axis 53 to allow the entire bottlejack 40 and connected yoke 50 to be lowered to a horizontal position ontop of the tongue 12, as is depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12.

While lowering bottle jack 40 and the connected yoke 50, a limitedamount of misalignment between pivot bolt 49 and pivot axis 53 can beaccommodated as the upright links 58 can pivot relative to the bottlejack mounting brackets 57. Furthermore, strain within the legs 52 willallow the axis of bottle jack 40 to slightly misalign with the pivotaxis 53. A reinstallation of the restraining pin 56 into alignedquadrant holes 59 and through the upright links 58 and the bottle jackmounting brackets 57 will retain the bottle jack 40 and attached yoke 50in the lowered position. One skilled in the art will readily recognizethat the optional winch 14, if installed on the tongue 12, would have tobe removed before the bottle jack 40 and yoke 50 could be lowered to theinoperative transport position.

Referring now to all the drawings, but particularly the schematicmulti-positional drawing of FIG. 13, the operation of the trailer 10 inboth the tilt and dump functions can be seen. Referring first to thetilt position 60 of the trailer 10, the operator must remove thefastener device 27a (best seen in FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 6, 11 and 12)interengaging the lock bracket 27 and the tongue 12 to permit the tongue12 to articulate about its pivotal connection with the pivot bracket 26.Since the trailer bed frame 30 is still fixed to the tilt frame 20 byvirtue of the pins connecting the locking tabs 22a to the mountingmembers 36, the trailer bed frame 30 will tilt with the tilt frame 20about the tilt axis 19 defined by the spindles 17. The tip 46 of thebottle jack 40 is free to extend from the housing 41, thereby allowingthe yoke 50 to move upwardly with the mounting members 36 to which it isattached. The bottle jack 40 is pivotable on the hubs 58a supporting theupright links 58 on the bottle jack mounting brackets 57, allowing thebottle jack 40 to rotate rearwardly to accommodate the upward andrearward movement of the mounting members 36. Once the trailer 10 isreturned to the normal home position, the fastener 27a can be re-engagedbetween the lock bracket 27 and the tongue 12.

Re-configuring the trailer 10 to permit the dump function to operaterequires the removal of the pins (not shown) interconnecting the lockingtabs 22a and the mounting members 36, thereby releasing the trailer bedframe 30 for pivotal movement relative to the tilt frame 20 about thedump axis 29 for the positioning thereof in a dump position 61, shown inFIG. 13. To force the raising of the trailer bed frame 30, the bottlejack 40 can be pressurized by stroking the pump handle 45, or byconnecting the optional fitting 44 to a remote source of hydraulicpower, resulting in an extension of the tip 46 from the housing 41. Theattached yoke 50, the legs 52 of which extend downwardly for connectionto the mounting members 36, then rises with the tip 46 and draws theforwardmost transverse frame member 35 of the trailer bed frame 30upwardly, rotating about the dump axis 29 carried by the rear transverseframe member 23 of the tilt frame 20. As with the tilt function above,the bottle jack 40 is pivotable about the hub connection 58a betweenupright links 58 and the bottle jack mounting brackets 57 to allow thebottle jack to rotate rearwardly to accommodate the upward and rearwardmotion of the forwardmost transverse frame member 35 as it pivots aboutthe dump axis 29.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, an alternative trailer bed lift jackassembly 70 can best be seen. A jack support 71 is fixed to the top ofthe tongue 12, preferably by welding. The assembly 70 includes a jackpost 72 fixed to the base 47 of the hydraulic jack 75 to elevate thebase 47 of the hydraulic jack 75 above the tongue 12 a sufficientdistance to locate a lower pulley 73 rotatably mounted on the jack post72 at a position forwardly of the centerline of the lift jack assembly70. The jack post 72 is pivotally connected to the jack support 71 by apivot pin 74. A rod extension 76 is fixed to the tip 46 of the hydraulicjack 75 to rotatably mount an upper pulley 77 at a position spaced abovethe tip 46. The rod extension 76 also provides a cable mount 78 to whichis affixed the end of a cable 79 that is entrained around the lowerpulley 73, then entrained around the upper pulley 77 and connected tothe trailer bed frame 30.

The front wall of the trailer 10 is provided with a cam track 80 that iscentrally mounted above the tongue 12 in register with the upper pulley77. The cam track 80 is preferably formed as a reinforced leg channelconfigured in a “C-shape” so as to allow the cable 79 to pass into thecam track 80, but not the upper pulley 77 which rides on top of the camtrack 80. The base of the cam track 80 is supported by the trailer bedframe 30 and provides the connection point for the distal end of thecable 79 for lifting the trailer bed in a manner to be described ingreater detail below. Both the lower and upper pulleys 73, 77 and thepivot pin 74 between the jack post 72 and the jack support 71 are offsetfrom the centerline of the lift jack assembly 70, the pulleys 73, 77being offset forwardly of the centerline and the pivot pin 74 beingrearwardly of the centerline, to reduce the bending moment on the pistonof the hydraulic jack 75 and the moment urging the lift jack assembly 70against the cam track 80 since two strands of the cable 79 are rearwardof the hydraulic jack 75 and one strand is forward thereof.

The cam track 80 provides a track against which the upper pulley 77rides as the trailer bed is being raised by the action of the lift jackassembly 70. The cam track 80 prevents the lift jack assembly 70 and thethird strand 83 of the cable 79 from rubbing against the bottom cornerof the trailer bed. Preferably, the cam track 80 is detachable and issupported on a cam support 85 by a pin 84 that also attaches the cable79 to the trailer bed frame 30. Removal of the connecting pin 84 and thepivot pin 74 enables the entire lift assembly 70 and cam track 80 to beremoved from the trailer 10.

Operation of the lift assembly 70 effects a multiplication of the strokeof the hydraulic jack 75 through the three strands 81, 82, 83 of thecable 79. As is best seen in the schematic view of FIG. 15, a 22.5 inchstroke of the hydraulic jack 75 will lift a standard trailer bed 67.5inches to provide a 47 degree dump angle for the trailer bed. The upperpulley 77 maintains constant contact with the cam track 80 throughoutthe lifting operation, primarily due to the forces exerted by the firstand third strands 81, 83 of the cable on the rearward side of thehydraulic jack 75, which is offset only by the force exerted on thesecond strand 82 forwardly of the hydraulic jack 75. The arrangementdepicted in FIG. 15 provides substantially the same moment arm for thelift force exerted on the cable 79 about the dump axis 29 at the top ofthe stroke of the hydraulic jack 75 with the trailer bed at the maximumdump angle as at the bottom of the stroke with the trailer bed in atransport position.

While the intent of the alternate lift jack assembly 70 described aboveis to substitute for the bottle jack 40, the trailer 10 would still beable to provide both the tilt and dump functions due to the framearrangements 20, 30 described above. Removal of the alternate lift jackassembly 70 is preferred if the hydraulic jack 75 would be in the way ofhauling a long load on the trailer bed, as opposed to the function oflowering the bottle jack 40 described above. However, lowering thealternative lift jack assembly 70 can also be accomplished if sufficientslack is provided for the cable 79, as the alternative lift jackassembly 70 can be pivoted about the pivot pin 74. It will be noted byone skilled in the art, however, that the height of the pulleys 73, 77could still present a clearance problem for a long load, which is why aremoval of the assembly 70 is preferred.

Referring now to FIGS. 16-18, a screw jack actuator 90 that can beutilized to provide a mechanical assist to the tilt function of aconventional gravity-based tilt trailer is best seen. The screw jackactuator 90 is an inexpensive extensible actuator that, with the otherparts defined below, can be marketed as an after-market kit for use withpreviously existing tilt trailers. The screw jack actuator 90 isextensible and contractible in a conventional manner through operationof a crank handle 91 positioned at the top of the actuator 90. Manualrotation of the crank handle 91 telescopically extends the bottom tip 92of the actuator 90 which is fastened via a pivot pin 93 to the mountingbrackets 57 affixed to the opposing sides of the trailer tongue 12. As aresult, the outer casing 94 of the screw jack 90 raises vertically.Since the yoke 50 is attached to a collar 95 fixed to the outer casing94, and since the legs 52 of the yoke 50 are connected to the mountingmembers 36, the trailer bed pivots about the tilt axis as defined aboveto provide the tilt operation for the trailer 10.

The bottom tip 92 is pinned to the telescopic section 96 that extendsfrom the outer casing upon appropriate rotation of the crank handle 91by a connecting pin 97. When pinned, the bottom tip 92 fixes thetelescopic section 96 to the mounting brackets 57 for extension andcontraction in a normal manner. Removal of the pin 97 enables the bottomtip 92 to slide relative to the telescopic section 96 irrespective ofthe operation of the crank handle 91. As a result, the removal of thepin 97 allows the outer casing 94 to freely move relative to the bottomtip 92 which has a substantial length extending into the telescopicsection 96. Thus, the trailer bed is free to move with the force ofgravity or other external force to effect pivotal movement about thetilt axis. Accordingly, removal of the connecting pin 97 allows theconventional tilt trailer to operate in the conventional manner asthough the screw jack 90 were not attached.

The bottom tip 92 is beveled, as is best seen in FIG. 17, to form a camsurface for interaction with the latching mechanism 100. The latchingmechanism 100, which can be utilized with the bottle jack actuator 40described above, is required because the actuator 90 is not stabilizedby spaced apart pivots 49, 56 as is described above with respect to thebottle jack 40. The latching mechanism 100 serves as a forward stopapparatus to control or restrict the forward pivotal movement of theactuator 90 and includes a latch plate 101 pivotally supported on themounting brackets 57 and defining actuating levers 102 that projectoutwardly and forwardly through slots 103 formed in the mountingbrackets 57. The latch plate 101 is formed with a concave cutout 104that conforms to the size and shape of the bottom tip 92 for engagementtherewith to restrict pivotal movement of the screw jack 90 toward thelowered transport position, as is described above with respect to thebottle jack 40. A pair of springs 105 interconnect the opposing ends ofthe pivot pin 93 with the corresponding actuation levers 102 to bias thelevers 102 toward a raised position that interferes with the pivotalmovement of the screw jack 90.

A pair of stops 54 limit the rearward movement of the yoke 50 andconnected screw jack 90 to prevent the screw jack 90 from tippingrearwardly too far. Accordingly, the screw jack 90 is trapped in theupright operative position between the stops 54 which restrict rearwardpivotal movement of the actuator 90 and the latching mechanism 100 whichrestricts and controls the forward pivotal movement of the actuator 90.Preferably the stops 54 are affixed, such as by welding, to the mountingmembers 36 and include adjustable heads 54a, such as a carriage bolt,threaded into the stop 54 to engage the legs 52 of the yoke 50. Theadjustable heads 54a permit the stop to be reoriented for propereffectiveness. The latch mechanism 100 serves as a forward stopapparatus to limit the forward position of the screw jack 90 when placedin the upright operative position, thus trapping the screw jack 90between the latch plate 101 and the stops 54.

In operation, the screw jack 90 (or bottle jack 40) can be lowered tothe inoperative transport position by depressing one of the actuationlevers 102 to overcome the biasing force exerted by the springs 105. Theresulting pivotal movement of the latch plate 101 disengages the cutout104 from the bottom tip 92 and allows the screw jack 90 to pivotallymove about the axis 53 defined by the pivotal connection between theyoke legs 52 and the mounting members 36. Returning the screw jackactuator 90 to the upright operative position is simply a matter ofmanually raising the screw jack 90. The beveled cam surface of thebottom tip 92 engages the latch plate 101 to cause the latch plate 101to deflect downwardly against the biasing force exerted by the springs105 until the screw jack 90 reaches the upright position at which pointthe bottom tip 92 falls within the concave cutout 104 allowing the latchplate 101 to snap back into engaging position by the biasing forceexerted by the springs 105, trapping the screw jack 90 between the latchplate 101 and the stops 54.

It will be understood that changes in the details, materials, steps andarrangements of parts which have been described and illustrated toexplain the nature of the invention will occur to and may be made bythose skilled in the art upon a reading of this disclosure within theprinciples and scope of the invention. The foregoing descriptionillustrates the preferred embodiments of the invention; however,concepts, as based upon the description, may be employed in otherembodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

In the way of example, one skilled in the art will recognize that theprinciples of the invention described above can be utilized onsubstantially any vehicle or apparatus having a load bed or other memberthat is pivoted relative to a frame. More specifically, these principlescan be used to provide a dump bed on a pick-up or dump truck (notshown). The actuator 40 or 90 would be trapped between the bed of thepickup truck and the cab with the yoke 50 pivotally connected to thebed. Furthermore, by inserting an articulating tilt frame between thebed and the chassis of the truck, both tilt and dump functions could beselectively provided for the truck.

Also, the actuator could be in the form of a bottle jack 40, which hasits own internal reservoir of hydraulic fluid, a mechanically operatedscrew jack 90, or other actuators such as a conventional hydrauliccylinder with an external port adapted for connection to a remote sourceof hydraulic power. Furthermore, the hydraulic cylinder could be mountedupside down, as compared to the depiction of the actuators 40 and 75 inthe drawings, with the rod extending downwardly. In such aconfiguration, the hydraulic cylinder could have the hydraulic fluidsupplied through a hydraulic connector associated with a hollow rod sothat the port and associated hoses do not have to move vertically withthe barrel of the hydraulic cylinder.

Still further, the yoke does not have to mount to the top of theactuator rod, but can be connected to the bottom of the hydrauliccomponent moving vertically, particularly where the hydraulic cylinderis mounted upside down as described above. A similar configuration isshown and described above with respect to the screw jack 90. A lowprofile configuration with the yoke mounted to the bottom of thevertically movable barrel would be particularly desirable with respectto the adaptation of the principles of the invention disclosed above inconjunction with a pick-up or dump truck.

1. A trailer comprising: an articulated frame having at least a pair oftransversely opposed wheels rotatable about an axis of rotation, saidarticulated frame including a tilt frame pivotable about a tilt pivotaxis and a draft tongue pivotally connected to said tilt frame forpivotal movement about an articulation axis located forwardly of saidtilt pivot axis, said draft tongue being adapted for connection to aprime mover ; and a bed frame supported on said articulated frame forselective pivotal movement relative to said articulated frame about adump pivot axis oriented rearwardly of said tilt pivot axis, said bedframe being selectively movable with said tilt frame about said tiltpivot axis, said bed frame being connected to said articulated frame bya connection apparatus positioned forwardly of said tilt pivot axis torestrict pivotal movement of said bed frame relative to said tilt frame,said articulated frame including a locking device selectively couplingsaid tilt frame to said draft tongue to restrict pivotal movement ofsaid tongue relative to said tilt frame about said articulation axis,said locking device being operable to cause said bed frame to pivotabout the selected one of said dump pivot axis and said tilt pivot axis.2. The trailer of claim 1 wherein said bed frame is also connected tosaid articulated frame by a connection apparatus positioned forwardly ofsaid tilt pivot axis to restrict pivotal movement of said bed framerelative to said tilt frame, said articulated frame including a lockingdevice selectively coupling said tilt frame to said draft tongue torestrict pivotal movement of said tongue relative to said tilt frameabout said articulation axis.
 3. The trailer of claim 2 1 wherein saidbed frame moves vertically relative to said draft tongue when pivotingabout said tilt axis and when pivoting about said dump axis, said tiltframe moving vertically relative to said draft tongue only when said bedframe pivots about said tilt axis.
 4. The trailer of claim 3 furthercomprising: an actuator mechanism supported on said tongue and coupledto said bed frame to power the pivotal movement of said bed frame aboutat least one of said dump pivot axis and said tilt pivot axis.
 5. Thetrailer of claim 4 wherein said actuator mechanism comprises: a mountingbracket affixed to said tongue; a linear actuator supported on saidmounting bracket; and a yoke connected to said actuator for verticalmovement thereof in response to a corresponding linear movement of saidactuator, said yoke being pivotally connected to said bed frame to causevertical movement thereof in response to said linear movement of saidactuator.
 6. The trailer of claim 5 wherein said actuator is pivotallyconnected to said mounting bracket for pivot movement about a generallyhorizontal actuator pivot axis positioned in general transversealignment with a yoke pivot axis defined by the pivotal connection ofsaid yoke with said bed frame, such that said actuator is pivotallymovable between an upright operative position and a lowered inoperativeposition oriented generally parallel to said draft tongue.
 7. Thetrailer of claim 6 wherein said actuator is pivotally connected to saidmounting bracket by a pivot pin located at a position vertically spacedfrom said actuator pivot axis.
 8. The trailer of claim 6 wherein saidactuator is pivotally connected to said mounting bracket by a pivot pin,said pivot pin defining said actuator pivot axis.
 9. The trailer ofclaim 6 wherein said bed frame is positioned above said tilt frame, saiddump pivot axis being defined by a pivot mechanism connecting said bedframe to said tilt frame, said pivot mechanism including a pair oflaterally opposing support members pivotally supported in a rear framemember of said tilt frame.
 10. The trailer of claim 9 wherein saidactuator is operatively associated with a latch mechanism forcontrolling the pivotal movement thereof between said upright operativeposition and said lowered inoperative position.
 11. The trailer of claim10 wherein said actuator is oriented below a top surface of a load bedsupported on said bed frame when placed into said lowered inoperativeposition.
 12. The trailer of claim 10 wherein said actuator has aninternal reservoir for hydraulic fluid, said actuator being providedwith a manually operable band pump to effect extension of said hydraulicactuator.
 13. The trailer of claim 12 wherein said actuator includes aconnection device for connection to a remote supply of hydraulic power.14. An actuating mechanism for use with a frame and a load bed pivotallymovable about a pivot axis relative to said frame, comprising: amounting bracket affixed to said frame; a linear actuator pivotallysupported on said mounting bracket for pivot movement about a generallyhorizontal actuator pivot axis; and a yoke connected to said actuatorand a pair of transversely spaced legs depending downwardly from saidconnection with said actuator to be pivotally connected to said load bedon transversely opposing sides of said actuator by a pivot mechanismdefining a yoke pivot axis to effect vertical movement of said load bedin response to a corresponding linear movement of said actuator.
 15. Theactuating mechanism of claim 14 wherein said actuator pivot axis ispositioned in general transverse alignment with said yoke pivot axis sothat said actuator is pivotally movable between an upright operativeposition and a lowered inoperative position.
 16. The actuating mechanismof claim 15 wherein said actuator is pivotally connected to saidmounting bracket by a pivot pin located at a position vertically spacedfrom said actuator pivot axis.
 17. The actuating mechanism of claim 15wherein said actuator is pivotally connected to said mounting bracket bya pivot pin, said pivot pin defining said actuator pivot axis.
 18. Theactuating mechanism of claim 17 wherein said actuator is a screw jackbeing extensible through manual manipulation of a crank handle.
 19. Theactuating mechanism of claim 18 wherein said actuator further comprises:an outer casing; a telescopic section extensible from said outer casingupon appropriate manipulation of said crank handle; and a bottom tipmember slidably extensible from said telescopic section, said bottom tipbeing detachably connected to said telescopic section by a lockingdevice such that a release of said locking device permits saidtelescopic section to freely slide on said bottom tip member to enablesaid load bed to move vertically through the application of forces otherthan through said actuator.
 20. The actuating mechanism of claim 15wherein said frame corresponds to a trailer having a draft tonguepivotally connected to said frame for movement about an articulationaxis, said load bed being pivotally connected to said frame at a dumppivot axis located rearwardly of said articulation axis, said actuatorcausing an articulation between said draft tongue and said frame therebyeffecting a pivotal movement of said load bed about a tilt pivot axislocated between said articulation axis and said dump pivot axis.
 21. Theactuating mechanism of claim 20 wherein said actuator is operativelyassociated with a latch mechanism for controlling the pivotal movementthereof between said upright operative position and said loweredinoperative position, said lowered inoperative position being positionedbelow a top surface of said load bed.
 22. The actuating mechanism ofclaim 21 wherein said actuator has an internal reservoir for hydraulicfluid, said actuator being provided with a manually operable hand pumpto effect extension of said hydraulic actuator.
 23. The actuatingmechanism of claim 22 wherein said actuator includes a connection devicefor connection to a remote supply of hydraulic power.
 24. The actuatingmechanism of claim 14 wherein said actuator mechanism includes ahydraulic cylinder.
 25. An apparatus comprising: a frame supported abovethe ground by a pair of wheels rotatable about an axis of rotation; aload bed pivotally connected to said frame for vertical movementrelative thereto about a transversely oriented pivot axis; and anactuator mechanism positioned forwardly of said load bed and beingpivotally supported on said frame at an about a transversely extendingactuator pivot axis, said actuator mechanism including a yoke pivotallyconnected to said load bed for movement relative thereto about a yokepivot axis oriented in substantial alignment with said actuator pivotaxis.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said load bed includes afirst stop apparatus positioned to restrict rearward pivotal movement ofsaid actuator and a frame supported second stop apparatus positioned torestrict forward pivot movement of said actuator.
 27. The apparatus ofclaim 26 wherein said second stop apparatus is a latch mechanism thatcan be selectively operated to allow said actuator mechanism topivotally move forwardly from an upright operative position to a loweredinoperative position.
 28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein saidactuator mechanism includes a screw jack being extensible through manualmanipulation of a crank handle.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28 whereinsaid screw jack comprises: an outer casing; a telescopic sectionextensible from said outer casing upon appropriate manipulation of saidcrank handle; and a bottom tip member slidably extensible from saidtelescopic section, said bottom tip being detachably connected to saidtelescopic section by a locking device such that a release of saidlocking device permits said telescopic section to freely slide on saidbottom tip member to enable said load bed to move vertically through theapplication of forces other than through said crank handle.
 30. Theapparatus of claim 27 wherein said actuator mechanism includes ahydraulic actuator having an internal reservoir for hydraulic fluid,said hydraulic actuator being provided with a manually operable handpump to effect extension of said hydraulic actuator.
 31. The apparatusof claim 30 wherein said hydraulic actuator includes a connection devicefor connection to a remote supply of hydraulic power.
 32. The apparatusof claim 26 wherein said actuator mechanism includes a hydrauliccylinder.
 33. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein said hydraulic cylinderincludes a connection device for connection to a remote supply ofhydraulic power.
 34. The apparatus of claim 27 further comprising: adraft tongue adapted to be connected to a prime mover, said tongue beingpivotally connected to said frame for articulation about an articulationaxis positioned forwardly of said axis of rotation; said load beingpivotally mounted on said frame for generally vertical movement relativethereto about a dump pivot axis located rearwardly of said axis ofrotation, said frame being pivotable about a tilt pivot axis locatedbetween said articulation axis and said dump pivot axis; a firstconnection device interconnecting said load bed and said frame tocontrol the pivotal movement of said load bed relative to said frame, adisengagement of said first connection device permitting staid said loadbed to pivot about said dump pivot axis; and a second connection deviceinterconnecting said frame and said tongue to control the articulationof said frame relative to said tongue, a disengagement of said secondconnection device with the engagement of said first connection devicepermitting said load bed to pivot with said frame about said tilt pivotaxis while said tongue articulates relative to said frame about saidarticulation axis.
 35. The trailer of claim 34 wherein said tilt pivotaxis coincides with said axis of rotation, said actuator mechanism beingsupported on said tongue and coupled to said load bed to power thepivotal movement of said load bed about at least one of said dump pivotaxis and said axis of rotation.
 36. The trailer of claim 35 wherein saidactuator mechanism comprises: a mounting bracket affixed to said tongue;and a linear actuator supported on said mounting bracket; and asaid yokebeing connected to said linear actuator to effect vertical movementthereof in response to a corresponding movement of said linear actuator,said yoke being pivotally connected to said load bed to cause verticalmovement thereof .
 37. An actuating mechanism for use between a frameand a movable member pivotally connected to said frame to effect pivotalmovement of said movable member relative to said frame, comprising: alinear actuator supported on said frame and including a housing defininga first end of said linear actuator and an extensible member defining asecond end of said linear actuator, said extensible member beinglinearly movable from an operative portion of said housing spaced fromsaid first end; and a yoke connected to said linear actuator at aconnection point and having arms pivotally connected to said movablemember on opposing sides of said linear actuator along a transverselyextending yoke pivot axis to effect vertical movement of said movablemember relative to said frame in response to a corresponding linearmovement of said extensible member, said yoke pivot axis being locatedsuch that said operative portion is located between said connectionpoint and said yoke pivot axis when said linear actuator is fullyretracted with said first and second ends spaced at a minimum distance.38. The actuating mechanism of claim 37 wherein one of said first andsecond ends is pivotally connected to said frame to define an actuatorpivot, said yoke pivot axis being aligned with actuator pivot when saidlinear actuator is in a completely collapsed condition with said firstend at a minimum distance from said second end to permit said linearactuator and said yoke to be pivotable about said actuator pivot andsaid yoke pivot axis to move between an upright operative position to alowered inoperative position.
 39. The actuating mechanism of claim 38further comprising a latch mechanism for controlling the pivotalmovement of said linear actuator and said yoke between said uprightoperative position and said lowered inoperative position.
 40. Theactuating mechanism of claim 39 wherein said movable member correspondsto a load bed of a trailer and said frame corresponds to a draft tongueof said trailer, said linear actuator and said yoke being positionablebelow said load bed when placed into said lowered inoperative position.41. The actuating mechanism of claim 40 wherein said yoke is affixed tosaid housing, said arms extending past said operative portion to alignwith a remote end of said extensible member.
 42. The actuating mechanismof claim 40 wherein said yoke is affixed to said extensible member. 43.A trailer comprising: a main frame having at least a pair oftransversely opposed wheels rotatable about an axis of rotation, saidmain frame including a tilt frame pivotable about a tilt pivot axis anda draft tongue, said tilt frame being pivotally movable relative to saiddraft tongue; a bed frame including a forwardmost transverse framemember, said bed frame being supported on said main frame for selectivepivotal movement relative to said tilt frame about a dump pivot axisoriented rearwardly of said tilt pivot axis, said bed frame furtherbeing selectively movable with said tilt frame relative to said drafttongue about said tilt pivot axis; a locking mechanism cooperativelyassociated with said bed frame, said tilt frame and said draft tonguefor selectively permitting said bed frame to pivot respectively relativeto said dump pivot axis and relative to said tilt pivot axis; and anactuator interconnecting said draft tongue and said bed frame forwardlyof said forwardmost transverse frame member to effect pivotal movementof said bed frame.
 44. The trailer of claim 43, wherein said lockingmechanism is positioned forwardly of said tilt pivot axis andinterconnects said bed frame and said tilt frame to restrict pivotalmovement therebetween, said locking mechanism also interconnecting saidtilt frame and said draft tongue to control relative pivotal movementbetween said tilt frame and said draft tongue.
 45. The trailer of claim44, wherein said bed frame moves vertically with said tilt framerelative to said draft tongue when pivoting about said tilt axis andvertically relative to said tilt frame and said draft tongue pivotingabout said dump axis.
 46. The trailer of claim 45, wherein said actuatormechanism is pivotally mounted on said draft tongue and movable betweena reclined inoperative transport position generally parallel to saiddraft tongue and an upright operative position to power the pivotalmovement of said bed frame.